Removal of an ovarian cyst, image 1 of 4. This endoscope view shows surgical instruments removing a cyst from an ovary. The cyst, an abnormal fluid- filled sac, is blue; the ovary is the partially- obscured white structure behind. Ovarian cysts are common in women of child-bearing age. Although rarely cancerous, they can cause pain or develop complications. If this is the case, they are removed, often by laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery, as here. For a sequence showing the removal of this cyst, see images M850/661-664.